Sharks vs Lions Predictions - Sharks to win at home in URC derby

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 02 Jan 2026

Ralph Staniforth 02 Jan 2026

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Sharks favored to win at home with a -7.5 handicap.
Sharks have won 4 of their last 5 home games.
Lions struggle on the road, losing 4 of their last 5 games.

Expired

Sharks can win again at Kings Park (Getty Images)

Sharks vs Lions Predictions

Sharks are favourites at home, with an impressive home win record. My best bet is that the Sharks to cover the -7.5 handicap.

Sharks vs Lions Predictions
Head to Head
Sharks Form
Sharks Injuries & Team News
Lions Form
Lions Injuries & Team News

Sharks have won 4 of their last 5 home matches.
Sharks have won 2 of their last 5 encounters against the Lions.
Sharks come off the back of a 21-12 home win over the Bulls.
Lions have lost 4 of their last 5 away matches.
Lions come off the back of a 34-27 defeat at the Stormers.

Head to Head

The Sharks have won two of their last five encounters against the Lions.

Sharks Form

The Sharks have been impressive at home at the start of their season, winning four of their last five home matches across the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup. The Sharks come into this match on the back of a 21-12 win against the Bulls.

Their previous home results include a win against Munster (30-28), a loss to Ulster (34-26), and wins against Scarlets (29-19) and Saracens (28-23) to cap off an impressive run of form at home.

Sharks are currently 13th in the United Rugby Championship with 12 points after seven matches.

Sharks Injuries & Team News

Ox Nche (loosehead prop) and Aphelele Fassi (full-back) have both returned from injuries to bolster the Sharks team that is arguably their strongest selection of the season.

Corne Rahl (lock) and Siya Masuku (fly-half) return from injury and have been named on the bench.

Lions Form

Lions are currently experiencing a poor run of form on the road, having lost four of their last five matches across the United Rugby Championship and the Challenge Cup. They come into this match on the back of a closely contested 34-27 defeat at the Stormers.

Their previous away results include losses at Zebre (22-20). and Benetton (41-15), a win at the Bulls (43-33), and a loss at Newcastle (14-10).

Lions are currently eighth in the United Rugby Championship with 17 points after seven matches.

Lions Injuries & Team News

Preparation is being hampered by the potential loss of three key players, with lock Reinhard Nothnagel and winger Eduan Keyter still not returning from concussion protocols, and lock Darrien Landsberg injuring his knee in the Stormers game.

SA under-20 flank sensation Batho Hlekani has joined the Lions from the Sharks and is available with immediate effect.